The legendary Maui Wowie is a quintessential, classic cultivar with one of the largest cultural impacts in Cannabis history. Having originally gained popularity in the 1960s, Maui Wowie is an archetypal landrace sativa hailing from its namesake island in Hawaii. These genetics have been painstakingly preserved for more than half a century, with Jason Lampman, owner and operator of Oregon’s State 3, maintaining his own selection since the early 2000s.
So what makes the cultivar so special?
Maui Wowie, also known interchangeably as Maui Waui, has a nose that’s initially subtle, featuring a sweet and earthy pine tree aroma dressed in a delicate air of lime. Touches of sour tartness tickle the back of the nostrils, hinting at a symphony of elusive smells contained within each nug. Sure enough, breaking the buds down unleashes a nectarous concoction of pineapple, grapefruit and lemon citrus that magnifies the overall succulence and fruitiness in the fragrance. The ground product is as rich as it is ripe, conjuring a sublime mix of scents that pluck at the senses.
The flavor profile is piney and earthy, carried by an ephemeral aura of pineapple and lemon that resonates across the palate. Elements of tanginess in the expression create a textured tongue feel that tingles toward the end of the consumption process, virtually vibrating the taste buds. The smoke is noticeably smooth, with an effortless inhale mirroring the cleanliness of the grow methods used to bring this old-school paragon to life.
In terms of effect, Maui Wowie has a comforting, euphoric head high that’s considerably stimulating. This is a strain that’s been recommended for decades to medical patients looking for a reliable, “sativa-like” experience without provoking any undue anxiety — and in the case of State 3, the selection doesn’t disappoint. An adventure in and of itself, it’s hard not to imagine relaxing on a beach in Maui and puffing away on a jumbo-sized joint of this classic cultivar.
For consumers looking for old-school flower grown with love, care and an unparalleled commitment to the craft, State 3 champions the originals right here in Oregon.
This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of Oregon Leaf.
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